Save the environment AND save money

So many of the actions you can take in your home and lifestyle that are beneficial to the environment are also big money savers. It’s a win-win situation, really. So, in honour of Environment Week, June 3-9, here are some tips to top up your savings account while reducing your carbon footprint: 1. Reduce “stuff.” Face it: we use and collect a lot of stuff. And all our stuff costs money. Clean out your closet, basement or attic. Recycle or donate unused items – or make some extra cash by hosting a yard sale or selling larger items online. 2. Needs vs. Wants. Reduce future accumulation of stuff by examining your needs and wants, and only spending money on the things you really need. Then make a list of all your wants, and what they will cost. cut the list by 25% or 50%, buying only items you know you will use for a long time. You will save money, and reduce your consumption. 3. Conserve. Use less water and less electricity. You will do a favour for the environment, and be rewarded with lower utility bills. 4. Plan meals in advance. You will waste less food and make fewer trips back and forth to the grocery store, burning less fuel. 5. Grow your own food. A backyeard garden will save you money on food while conserving resources, as less food has to travel long distances to make it to your table. 6. Avoid disposables. Replace paper towel with rags or j-cloths, which cost a similar amount (and rags from old clothes or towels are free) but last far longer. Cloth napkins are prettier and just as easy as paper napkins, don’t produce waste and are much less expensive in the long run. Buy a a reusable, BPA-Free water bottle and fill it with tap water. There are huge potential savings here, depending on how much bottled water you were consuming, and considerable reduction in waste now that you aren’t throwing out plastic every time you drink. Remember that in many cases, frugal = green. Buy quality items and use them till they wear out. Reuse what you can. When shopping, select items that are more efficient and have the least packaging. Always recycle – after all, there may be a refund in it for you. Plus, in Nova Scotia, recycling is the law! Related posts:The 3 Rs of investing October 17 – 23 is Waste Reduction Week in Canada*….Teach Children to Save Today is “Teach Children to Save Day” in the United…How much money will you need to retire? This week is Financial Planning Week in Canada and National…Share & Bookmark This Story! Bookmark on Delicious StumbleUpon Google BookmarksTip’d

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